Massachusetts Senate approves anti-human trafficking bill

BOSTON — Pimps and others found guilty of trafficking children for sex or forced labor would face life in prison under a bill passed by the Massachusetts Senate.

The anti-human trafficking bill passed Thursday increases the penalties for human trafficking and for soliciting a prostitute. Under the proposed law, anyone convicted of trafficking would need to register as a sex offender.

The bill would also consider children and others forced into prostitution victims instead of offenders. It would establish a task force to investigate and study ways to prevent trafficking and treat victims.

Human rights advocates and law enforcement officials have pushed for such bill for years.

Massachusetts is one of only three states without anti-human trafficking laws.